氨基酰化酶在LDS溶液中的失活与去折叠的比较研究

氨基酰化酶在阴离子去圬剂十二烷基硫酸锂（ＬＤＳ）溶液中的失活与去折叠的研究结果表明,在低浓度的ＬＤＳ溶液（０．６ｍｍｏｌ／Ｌ）中变性时,以荧光和紫外差吸收方法监测的酶分子构象尚未发生明显变化。而酶的活力已经大部分或几乎全部丧失。当ＬＤＳ浓度达１．６ｍｍｏｌ／Ｌ时,此时酶分子的构象变化才达到最大程度,在实验使用的ＬＤＳ的浓度范围内,用远紫外ＣＤ光谱监测的二级结构没有发生明显的变化。从上述研究结果,可以认为含锌氨基酰化酶的活性部位也具有相对的柔性。     

Effect of dodecylsulfate binding on the activity of creatine kinase

The number of lithium dodecylsulfate (LDS) molecules tightly bound to creatine kinase has been found by isotachophoresis to be 87 at 25°C upon saturation of the enzyme dimer with LDS. The binding shows positive cooperativity by both the Hill and Scatchard plots. The enzyme is completely inactivated when its high-affinity sites are fully occupied with LDS. However, at partial LDS saturation the activity remaining is definitely higher than can be accounted for by the amount of free enzyme left, showing the presence of species of active molecules with the tight LDS sites only partly saturated. The presence of ATP leads to a decrease in detergent bound at the high-affinity sites with partial restoration of activity.     

Antimicrobial efficiency and stability of two decontamination solutions

Two decontamination solutions, commercially produced BASE?128 and laboratory decontamination solution (LDS), with analogous content of antibiotic and antimycotic agents, were compared in their antimicrobial efficiency and stability (pH and osmolarity). Both solutions were compared immediately after thawing aliquots frozen for 1, 3 or 6 months. Agar well diffusion method was used to test their antimicrobial efficiency against five human pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis. The difference in the inhibition of growth between the two decontamination solutions was mostly not statistically significant, with few exceptions. The most pronounced difference between the LDS and BASE?128 was observed in their decontamination efficacy against E. coli and E. faecalis, where the LDS showed to be more efficient than BASE?128. The osmolarity value of LDS decreased with cold-storage, the osmolarity values of the BASE?128 could not be measured as they were below the range of the osmometer. Slight changes were found in pH of the less stable LDS solution, whose pH increased from initial value 7.36?±?0.07 to 7.72?±?0.19 after 6 m-storage. We verified that BASE?128 and LDS are similarly efficient in elimination of possible placental bacterial contaminants and may be used for decontamination of various tissues.     

Comparison of impact of two decontamination solutions on the viability of the cells in human amnion

Human amniotic membrane (HAM) is used as an allograft in regenerative medicine or as a source of pluripotent cells for stem cell research. Various decontamination protocols and solutions are used to sterilize HAM before its application, but little is known about the toxicity of disinfectants on HAM cells. In this study, we tested two decontamination solutions, commercial (BASE·128) and laboratory decontamination solution (LDS), with an analogous content of antimycotic/antibiotics for their cytotoxic effect on HAM epithelial (EC) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). HAM was processed in a standard way, placed on nitrocellulose scaffold, and decontaminated, following three protocols: (1) 6 h, 37 °C; (2) 24 h, room temperature; (3) 24 h, 4 °C. The viability of EC was assessed via trypan blue staining. The apoptotic cells were detected using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL). The mean % (±SD) of dead EC (%DEC) from six fresh placentas was 12.9 ± 18.1. Decontamination increased %DEC compared to culture medium. Decontamination with BASE·128 for 6 h, 37 °C led to the highest EC viability (81.7%). Treatment with LDS at 24 h, 4 °C resulted in the lowest EC viability (55.9%) in the set. MSC were more affected by apoptosis than EC. Although the BASE·128 expresses lower toxicity compared to LDS, we present LDS as an alternative decontamination solution with a satisfactory preservation of cell viability. The basic formula of LDS will be optimised by enrichment with nutrient components, such as glucose or vitamins, to improve cell viability.     

一次密度梯度超速离心分离人血清的VLDL、LDL、HDL_2、HDL_3及无脂血清

本文将密度梯度、离心力和离心时间作适当的组合和配比:即不连续密度梯度1.000—1,400g/mlNaBr溶液、离心力168,000g、22小时,10℃,在Beckman L8-80型、区带头Ti-14一次超速离心将血清中四种主要脂蛋白和无脂血清相互分开,获得五个明显的蛋白峰。前四个峰经琼脂糖电泳,聚丙烯酰胺电泳,免疫双扩散和分析超速离心鉴定分别为VLDL、LDL、HDL_2和HDL_3,不含清蛋白。峰五为无脂血清,仅含0.046mg/dl胆固醇和0.2mg/dl甘油三酯,本法重复性佳,分离样品多(50ml),效果好,操作简单,并可延长离心机头的使用期限。已用于研究各种因素对脂蛋白含量的影响及其代谢间的相互关系。     

Binding of lithium dodecyl sulfate to polyacrylamide gel at 4 degrees C perturbs electrophoresis of proteins

Although polyacrylamide gel has no affinity to lithium dodecyl sulfate (LDS) at 25 degrees C, the gel maximally binds 17 mg of LDS per gram dry weight at 4 degrees C. When polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is carried out at 4 degrees C in the presence of LDS instead of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) using a continuous buffer system, migration of proteins with lower molecular weight is accelerated as a result of the deficiency of LDS in the frontal region of the gel. When the gel is saturated with LDS, electrophoresis in the presence of LDS at 4 degrees C shows a resolution higher than that of SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis at 25 degrees C.     

Determinants of gait stability while walking on a treadmill: A machine learning approach

Dynamic balance in human locomotion can be assessed through the local dynamic stability (LDS) method. Whereas gait LDS has been used successfully in many settings and applications, little is known about its sensitivity to individual characteristics of healthy adults. Therefore, we reanalyzed a large dataset of accelerometric data measured for 100 healthy adults from 20 to 70 years of age performing 10 min treadmill walking. We sought to assess the extent to which the variations of age, body mass and height, sex, and preferred walking speed (PWS) could influence gait LDS. The random forest (RF) and multiple adaptive regression splines (MARS) algorithms were selected for their good bias-variance tradeoff and their capabilities to handle nonlinear associations. First, through variable importance measure (VIM), we used RF to evaluate which individual characteristics had the highest influence on gait LDS. Second, we used MARS to detect potential interactions among individual characteristics that may influence LDS. The VIM and MARS results indicated that PWS and age correlated with LDS, whereas no associations were found for sex, body height, and body mass. Further, the MARS model detected an age by PWS interaction: on one hand, at high PWS, gait stability is constant across age while, on the other hand, at low PWS, gait instability increases substantially with age. We conclude that it is advisable to consider the participants’ age as well as their PWS to avoid potential biases in evaluating dynamic balance through LDS.     

FOXC2 Mutations in Familial and Sporadic Spinal Extradural Arachnoid Cyst

Spinal extradural arachnoid cyst (SEDAC) is a cyst in the spinal canal that protrudes into the epidural space from a defect in the dura mater. Most cases are sporadic; however, three familial SEDAC cases have been reported, suggesting genetic etiological factors. All familial cases are associated with lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome (LDS), whose causal gene is FOXC2. However, FOXC2 mutation analysis has been performed in only 1 family, and no mutation analysis has been performed on sporadic (non-familial) SEDACs. We recruited 17 SEDAC subjects consisting of 2 familial and 7 sporadic cases and examined FOXC2 mutations by Sanger sequencing and structural abnormalities by TaqMan copy number assay. We identified 2 novel FOXC2 mutations in 2 familial cases. Incomplete LDS penetrance was noted in both families. Four subjects presented with SEDACs only. Thus, SEDAC caused by the heterozygous FOXC2 loss-of-function mutation should be considered a feature of LDS, although it often manifests as the sole symptom. Seven sporadic SEDAC subjects had no FOXC2 mutations, no symptoms of LDS, and showed differing clinical characteristics from those who had FOXC2 mutations, suggesting that other gene(s) besides FOXC2 are likely to be involved in SEDAC.     

Decrease of cholesterol in mouse melanoma causes secretion of lysosomal enzymes

We examined the change in the subcellular distribution of a lysosomal enzyme, beta-glucuronidase (beta-G), caused by decreased cholesterol levels in mouse melanoma cells using an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, lovastatin and lipoprotein-deficient serum (LDS). There was a decrease in the cholesterol content of the cells and increased secretion of the mature form of beta-G located in lysosomes, as documented by Percoll density gradient fractionation, digitonin permeabilization and immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, another lysosomal enzyme, cathepsin H, was found to be released in the medium from cells treated with lovastatin. Both the precursor and mature forms of cathepsin H were detected in the medium of treated cells. Next, when cells were treated with LDS without lovastatin, concomitantly with the decrease in the levels of cholesterol and beta-G activity in the cells, beta-G activity in the medium increased. Also, the ratio of beta-G (3.2-fold) released in the medium from cells treated with Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (D-MEM) containing lovastatin and LDS was higher than that (2.3-fold) on treatment with D-MEM containing LDS without lovastatin. From these results, it was suggested that the exocytosis of mature enzymes from lysosomes into the medium or mis-sorting of the lysosomal precursor forms to the medium was caused by the lovastatin- and/or LDS-induced decrease in the cholesterol content of the cells, although the mechanism of secretion by lysosomal enzymes differed somewhat.     

A new sporadic case of early-onset Loeys-Dietz syndrome due to the recurrent mutation p.R528C in theTGFBR2 gene substantiates interindividual clinical variability

We report on a 2-year-old Polish girl with typical manifestations of Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), a rare genetic condition belonging to the group of Marfan-related disorders. The characteristic LDS symptoms observed in the girl included craniofacial dysmorphism (craniosynostosis, cleft palate, hypertelorism), arachnodactyly, camptodactyly, scoliosis, joint laxity, talipes equinovarus, translucent and hyperelastic skin, and umbilical hernia. Mild dilatation of the ascending aorta and tortuous course of the left internal carotid artery were recognized during her second year of life. Molecular genetic testing revealed a heterozygous missense mutation (c.1582C>T, p.R528C) in the transforming growth factor beta receptor II gene (TGFBR2). This mutation has been previously associated with LDS in 5 unrelated cases, and was never reported in patients with other Marfan-related disorders. Comparison of the phenotypes of our patient and these 5 individuals with c.1582C>T showed that only the hallmark triad of the syndrome — consisting of hypertelorism, aortic root dilatation/aneurysm, and cleft palate or bifid uvula — was present in all 6 cases. Interestingly, none of the 5 individuals who underwent psychological evaluation showed developmental delay. The pattern of all other LDS features showed interindividual variability. Our data support the recently reported observation that symptoms of LDS can develop at a very young age, making early diagnosis and management essential for these patients. This is the first report on a Polish infant with typical LDS symptoms caused by aTGFBR2 mutation.     

Changes in gene expression associated with loss of function of the NSDHL sterol dehydrogenase in mouse embryonic fibroblasts

Seven human disorders of postsqualene cholesterol biosynthesis have been described. One of these, congenital hemidysplasia with ichthyosiform nevus and limb defects (CHILD) syndrome, results from mutations in the X-linked gene NADH sterol dehydrogenase-like (NSDHL) encoding a sterol dehydrogenase. A series of mutant alleles of the murine Nsdhl gene are carried by bare patches (Bpa) mice, with Bpa(1H) representing a null allele. Heterozygous Bpa(1H) females display skin and skeletal abnormalities in a distribution reflecting random X inactivation, whereas hemizygous male embryos die before embryonic day 10.5. To investigate the molecular basis of defects associated with perturbations in cholesterol biosynthesis, microarray analysis was performed comparing gene expression in embryonic fibroblasts expressing the Bpa(1H) allele versus wild-type (wt) cells. Labeled cDNAs from cells grown in normal serum or lipid-depleted serum (LDS) were hybridized to microarrays containing 22,000 mouse genes. Among 44 genes that showed higher expression in the Bpa(1H) versus wt cells grown in LDS, 11 function in cholesterol biosynthesis, 7 are involved in fatty acid synthesis, 3 (Srebp2, Insig1, and Orf11) encode sterol-regulatory proteins, and 2 (Ldlr and StarD4) are lipid transporters. Of the 21 remaining genes, 16 are known genes, some of which have been implicated previously in cholesterol homeostasis or lipid-mediated signaling, and 5 are uncharacterized cDNA clones.     

Effect of solvent viscosity,polarity and pH on the charge transfer between tryptophan radical and tyrosine in bovine serum albumin: a pulse radiolysis study

The effect of viscosity, solvent polarity and pH of the medium on the reaction of a protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA), with organohalo-peroxyl radical in aqueous solution has been studied using pulse radiolysis technique. Unlike in dilute aqueous solution, electron transfer from tyrosine to tryptophan radical in BSA has been clearly observed at a viscosity of 7.7 centiPoise (cP). The oxidation of BSA, tryptophan and tyrosine in different media has also been compared with those taking place in dilute aqueous solution. The effect of solvent characteristics on the observed charge transfer has been discussed.     

Active transport of fluorescent P-glycoprotein substrates: evaluation as markers and interaction with inhibitors.

With P-glycoprotein (P-gp) continuing to have prominence among the ABC transporters for its ability to remove various xenobiotics from many cell types, accurate and robust methods for estimating the exposure of drug, carcinogen, toxicant, pesticide, and even some endobiotics to tissues and cells affected by P-gp are valuable. The inhibition of P-gp active transport of molecules, therefore, has often been quantified by concentration dependence of inhibitor effect on fluorescent substrate marker efflux mediated by this enzyme, with much evidence indicating two asymmetric yet interdependent substrate binding sites on P-gp. A uniqueness in the pair of binding sites could result in distinct effects of an inhibitor on the transport of certain substrates, thus leading to differences in fluorescent substrate responsiveness or sensitivity. Seven different fluorescent substrates of P-gp were quantitatively tested for their responsiveness to inhibition by a wide range of P-gp substrates/inhibitors. Interesting differences were observed in the IC(50) values caused by each of the inhibitors employed, in part exemplified by DNR and LDS being generally more sensitive to inhibition effects than any other fluorescent marker. However, no clear trend emerged to designate any fluorochrome marker as the most or least responsive to inhibition. Furthermore, LDS is more sensitive to some P-gp inhibitors than the substrate marker DNR, generally the most responsive. These results support the assertion of two unequal substrate binding sites that are allosterically dependent on each other. Therefore, an inhibitor that favors binding to the site opposite from that favored by a particular marker may have significant transduced effects through the protein between the two binding sites. Nevertheless, although either DNR or LDS is generally the fluorescent substrate most responsive to inhibition, there may be other substrates yet even more sensitive.     

Experimentally induced neck pain causes a decrease in thoracic but not lumbar spine stability

Maintenance of spine stability is considered to be a critical component of spine health. Ross et al. (2015) used a topical capsaicin/heat pain sensitization model to experimentally induce lower back pain, and demonstrated that the experimental pain experience caused a decrease in the muscular contribution to lumbar spine rotational stiffness (related to mechanical stability) as well as lower back local dynamic stability (LDS). It has yet to be established if pain elsewhere in the body, specifically in other regions of the spine, can similarly affect the stability of the lower back. The purpose of this investigation was therefore to quantify thoracic and lumbar spine LDS as well as the muscular contribution to lumbar spine rotational stiffness after an experimental neck pain protocol. Results demonstrated that LDS of the thoracic spine decreased in response to the capsaicin/heat induced neck pain. Limited adaptation was required at the lumbar spine as demonstrated by the lack of statistically significant changes in lower back LDS or rotational stiffness.     

DNA characterization of Lyme disease spirochetes.

Lyme disease spirochetes (LDS) have phenotypic characteristics of both treponemes and borreliae. To ascertain whether one or more species of LDS exist, as well as their taxonomic status, we determined the DNA base (G + C) content for three strains of LDS, the DNA relatedness of ten strains isolated in the United States or Europe, and the DNA relatedness of LDS to other spirochetes. The G + C content of the three LDS strains was 28.1-29.0 mol%, most similar to those of Borellia hermsii (30.6 mol %) and Treponema hyodysenteriae (25.6 mol %) among the other spirochetes tested. DNA hybridization studies of nine LDS strains to a reference strain isolated from human blood revealed divergence (unpaired bases) within related nucleotide sequences of only 0.0-1.0 percent, indicating the strains were one species. Similarly, relatedness values of seven strains to the reference strain were high: 58-98 percent (mean, 71 percent) in 50 degrees C reactions and 50-93 percent (mean, 69 percent) in 65 degrees C reactions. Labeled DNA from B. hermsii was 30-40 percent related to three Lyme disease spirochete strains in 50 degrees C reactions and 8-10 percent related in 65 degrees C reactions. In contrast, DNA from the reference LDS strain showed relatedness of only 1 percent to DNAs of two leptospires and only 16 percent to DNA from T. hyodysenteriae. We conclude that LDS are a single species, genetically unlike treponemes or leptospires, which belong in the genus Borrelia.     

The many faces of aggressive aortic pathology: Loeys-Dietz syndrome

Background: Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a newly recognised disorder of connective tissue which shares overlapping features with Marfan syndrome (MFS) and the vascular type of Ehlers- Danlos syndrome, including aortic root dilatation and skin abnormalities. It is clinically classified into types 1 and 2. LDS type 1 can be recognised by craniofacial characteristics, e.g. hypertelorism, bifid uvula or cleft palate, whereas these are absent in LDS type 2. It is important to recognise LDS because its vascular pathology is aggressive. We describe nine LDS patients from four families, relate their features to published cases, and discuss important aspects of the diagnosis and management of LDS in order to make clinicians aware of this new syndrome. Results: Characteristics found in the majority of these LDS patients were aortic root dilatation, cleft palate and/or a bifid/abnormal uvula. Conclusion: Because aortic dissection and rupture in LDS tend to occur at a young age or at aortic root diameters not considered at risk in MFS, and because the vascular pathology can be seen throughout the entire arterial tree, patients should be carefully followed up and aggressive surgical treatment is mandatory. Clinicians must therefore be aware of LDS as a cause of aggressive aortic pathology and that its distinguishing features can sometimes be easily recognised. (Neth Heart J 2008;16:299-304.)     

Multi‐Functional Transparent Luminescent Configuration for Advanced Photovoltaics

The conversion and manipulation of light via luminescent down‐shifting (LDS) show promise in numerous applications. An elegant combination of lanthanide‐doped polymer‐derived ceramics incorporated with versatile nanopatterns is demonstrated using direct nanoimprint techniques. The prompt formation of nanoscale photonic structures enhances the fluorescence emission from the LDS while retaining the material's optical transparency. The functionality of this material is further expanded to accommodate surface energy modulation by nanopatterns. The practical applicability of this platform in photovoltaic devices is evaluated, showing distinctively enhanced efficiency and lifetime mainly attributed to the nanopattern assisted strong LDS property. Moreover, to efficiently combine two lanthanide emissions, so called a “double imprint” approach is devised by superpositioning two LDS nanopatterned arrays. Combined with the multi‐functionality such as prominent LDS characteristics, color tunability, and surface energy modulation, the developed LDS platform offers promise for esthetic building‐integrated photovoltaics.     

几种变性剂对无花果蛋白酶分子去折叠与活力的影响

用不同浓度的变性剂盐酸胍、脲、十二烷基硫酸锂（ＬＤＳ）对无花果蛋白酶（Ｆｉｃｉｎ）变性,用荧光光谱及圆二色谱（ＣＤ谱）监测无花果蛋白酶去折叠过程中的构象变化并与活力变化比较,发现在１－２ｍｏｌ／Ｌ胍浓度及９．２×１０－４ｍｏｌ／ＬＬＤＳ浓度条件下,ＣＤ谱显示的二级结构含量较高,荧光谱的发射峰位刚开始红移,活力的变化则较为显著,表现为胍溶液中激活,ＬＤＳ溶液中失活,揭示酶的这二种变性剂的这二个浓度范围内,可能存在变性中间态。     

Identification and discrimination of extracellularly active cathepsins B and L in high-invasive melanoma cells

We established a novel protocol for lithium dodecyl sulfate (LDS) gelatin zymography, which operates under reducing conditions and at a slightly acidic pH value (6.5). This zymographic assay is based on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and facilitates the electrophoretic separation of human cathepsins in an active state. By this technique, activity of purified human liver cathepsin B was detected at a concentration as low as 50 ng and was blocked only in the presence of the cysteine protease inhibitor E-64 and the specific cathepsin B inhibitor CA-074 but not by aspartate, serine, or matrix metalloprotease inhibitors. The method was applied to analyze cathepsin activities in cell culture supernatants of the high-invasive melanoma cell line MV3. Interestingly, LDS zymography of MV3 cell supernatants in combination with specific inhibitors of cathepsins B and L identified three forms of extracellularly active cathepsin B and two forms of proteolytically active cathepsin L. We herein describe the generation and biochemical significance of acidic LDS zymography. This novel method permits not only the enzymatic analysis of purified cysteine proteases but also the identification and discrimination of different cathepsin activities in biological fluids, cell lysates, or supernatants, especially of cathepsins B and L, which are closely linked to major inflammatory and malignant processes.